As Long As I Can
The other day, we were clearing brush and dead trees. It was a particularly dense area, the trail too narrow for a tractor.
Greg used his 4-wheeler to pull out the last tree. I wrapped the cable around the trunk and he dragged it out of the gully where it had fallen. It was nearly out when it caught on something. I managed to lift one end, hoping it would be enough to give it clearance.
Suddenly, the tree broke free and swooshed past me. One of the branches hooked my leg as it went by. Down I went, dragged through the forest floor for several long seconds.
The only thing going through my head at that moment was: Where was the rest of that tree? I had visions of being raked over by those spiky branches.
Fortunately, Greg stopped immediately, and me? I just kept rolling--hoping I was rolling perpendicular to the direction of the tree.
When he reached me, my back was embedded with mulch and cedar needles. I was scraped up and bruised, but otherwise unharmed. He said I rolled really well for an old person. :grin:
It might seem that we rough it, but we really don't. We raise our own food, and we recycle and upcycle whenever we can. Someday, we hope to even make our own energy, but we'll never be as cool Mr. Jack English.
I did a little research after I saw this video. Sadly, Mr. English can't live in his cabin anymore. At 94, he's become too fragile after his heart attack. Still, I'm in awe just to witness what one man can accomplish.
Good on you, Mr. English. The next time somebody tells me I'm too old to do something, I'll think of you, and tell those naysayers I've only just begun.
One thing I did notice on the video was how gnarled his fingers were from arthritis. I have arthritis in my hands too and I can well imagine the pain he suffers. That only makes me admire his tenacity more.
Anybody out there suffer from arthritis? Gotten injured lately? I need some company in my Klutz Club.
Greg used his 4-wheeler to pull out the last tree. I wrapped the cable around the trunk and he dragged it out of the gully where it had fallen. It was nearly out when it caught on something. I managed to lift one end, hoping it would be enough to give it clearance.
Suddenly, the tree broke free and swooshed past me. One of the branches hooked my leg as it went by. Down I went, dragged through the forest floor for several long seconds.
The only thing going through my head at that moment was: Where was the rest of that tree? I had visions of being raked over by those spiky branches.
Fortunately, Greg stopped immediately, and me? I just kept rolling--hoping I was rolling perpendicular to the direction of the tree.
When he reached me, my back was embedded with mulch and cedar needles. I was scraped up and bruised, but otherwise unharmed. He said I rolled really well for an old person. :grin:
It might seem that we rough it, but we really don't. We raise our own food, and we recycle and upcycle whenever we can. Someday, we hope to even make our own energy, but we'll never be as cool Mr. Jack English.
I did a little research after I saw this video. Sadly, Mr. English can't live in his cabin anymore. At 94, he's become too fragile after his heart attack. Still, I'm in awe just to witness what one man can accomplish.
Good on you, Mr. English. The next time somebody tells me I'm too old to do something, I'll think of you, and tell those naysayers I've only just begun.
One thing I did notice on the video was how gnarled his fingers were from arthritis. I have arthritis in my hands too and I can well imagine the pain he suffers. That only makes me admire his tenacity more.
Anybody out there suffer from arthritis? Gotten injured lately? I need some company in my Klutz Club.
Comments
You, on the other hand, are likely to get squished under a tree or something if you're not MORE CAREFUL!
I'm really hoping i skipped that gene
Poor Mr. French that he got too fragile to live like he had for so many years. Got to give him credit for being able to do it for all those years though!
betty
I found Mr. English so inspiring though. Thoughtful, practical. He did what he had to do, and when that was done, he did what he wanted to do.
I liked what he said though. When his time was done, he knew he'd be back, his ashes mingled with his wife's and scattered over the land he loved.
We work a little, we play a little. It's all good.
I guess the first time I break a bone, I'll have to slow down.
I hate to take pain relievers, except as a last resort. Sometimes it's just unbearable.
I'm sorry your mom had to have her knee replaced. I hope it gave her some relief.
I think the one thing that ages you fastest is doing nothing.
Re: upcycling
That's when you take something that's discarded and turn it into something useful or beautiful.
I have achy joints and old bones and other age-related ouchies, but nothing diagnosed as arthritis. Aleve and Aspercreme are my friends. ;o)
Keep your head down and keep rolling, my friend.
Re: ... lithe and active. Until I fall down clipping the hedge.
LOL. I resemble that remark.
Re: I haven't done anything injurious to myself lately...
As I always say, the day ain't over yet. :)
I should be a poster child for bubble wrap.
:D
Glad you're back in action. Even the simplest injuries can put us on the bench, especially as we get older.
I haven't had it checked yet, as it only appeared after I started on littlest's stocking, but I think arthritis may have settled in my thumb. Thankfully, in my male dominated home, we're currently injury free. But I could tell tales of years when I was waiting for DHS to knock on my door, LOL.
Hope yours was only temporary.